Having a Website Isn’t Essential

Would-be paid writers are sometimes put off starting because they think they need to present a really “professional” face to the world … complete with flashy website, slick business cards, an office phone number, and more.

The truth is, you can get started without any of this. Sure, a well-designed website will give you extra credibility – but what editors and clients really care about is how well you can write.

When I started out, I did have a website, but it was terribly designed (by yours truly ;-)) and I doubt most of my clients even glanced at it.

So…

Here’s Your Three-Step Plan

If you want to make money from your writing, here’s what to do.

I’m assuming here that you plan to make money selling writing services to clients rather than by selling books to readers – though some of the advice will apply either way.

#1: Choose a Specialism

I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but it’s much easier to run a business where you specialise in a particular form of writing or editing – e.g. creating blog posts, editing fiction, or proofreading non-fiction books.

This doesn’t rule out branching out in the future – or offering extra services to your clients – but it does help you stand out.

(If you’re aiming to make money from fiction, the same goes: stick to one clear genre, at least initially.)

#2: Build up a (Small) Portfolio

You don’t need a huge folder of published pieces in order to get work as a writer … but you’ll struggle if you don’t have any previous experience.

So, initially, you may need to do some work for free. That could be:

Writing articles for your local paper.

Writing guest posts for blogs.

Writing advertising copy for a charity.

Editing a friend’s writing.

… or almost anything. It’s useful if at least some of your published pieces are available online, so you can easily point potential new clients toward them.

#3: Start Pro-Actively Looking for Work

In the early days, you’ll need to spend a fair amount of time looking for paid writing opportunities – don’t expect them to simply fall into your lap.

(A few months down the line, you may well find that you have plenty of work from existing clients plus referrals.)

Use multiple methods, like:

Attending local networking events.

Getting friends to spread the word on Facebook / to their offline networks.

Applying for jobs that you’ve found listed online.

Writing guest posts for major blogs or websites, with your email address (or a link to your website, if you have one) in the bio.

And that’s it!

There’s no hidden secret and no magic bullet. Making money from your writing might feel like a distant dream … but it’s probably a much more achievable goal than that.

Whether you’re currently getting paid to write, or whether you’re hoping to do so in the future, share your thoughts (and tips) in the comments.

Hi Ali,
I have just relaunched my blog after 2 years away and am looking to start freelance writing. I’ve heard your name in a few circles and will be reading more of your stuff.Steve Roy’s last blog post ..Becoming A Change Agent One Grinder At A Time

Hi Ali,
This is a very useful post and it’s exactly what I need right now as I am looking to begin actually moving into writing, which I love doing, but have never pursued as something to do for a living.Mike Allison’s last blog post ..Your SEO Strategy and SECockpit Review

I’m having to look at alternative income streams and I’d love to write for other people, but I never know if my existing blog, which covers fiction and blog posts about various topics, would be a good example of what I do! Would you advise a separate blog on a given topic, or just better use of categories?Icy Sedgwick’s last blog post ..The Necromancer’s Apprentice is available now!

Hi Ali, you are spot on when you say that it is not necessary to have the website and everything else straight away. Guest posting is a great place to start because it helps you to build up your profile as a writer. Having samples live on respected sites can be worth more than showing your own blog in the beginning.Kostas’s last blog post ..How To Write The Perfect Guest Post

Ali, I just “stumbled” across your website today–great information and very helpful! Looking forward to spending more time on here as I continue on my writing journey. Thank you!Kelly G.’s last blog post ..My Lighthouse